Theological Meaning Research Articles

Decolonizing Theological Education: Learning from Latinx, Womanist, and Asian Voices for Transformative PedagogyAtando Cabos: Latinx Contributions to Theological Education, ElizabethConde‐Frazier, Eerdmans, 2021 (ISBN 978‐0‐8028‐7901‐1), vii + 151 pp., pb $19.99Notes of a Native Daughter: Testifying in Theological Education, KeriDay, Eerdmans, 2021 (ISBN 978‐0‐8028‐7882‐3), viii + 144 pp., pb $19.99Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora, Chloe T.Sun, Eerdmans,

AbstractTheological education—and society more broadly—stands critically ‘between the times’. Contemporary theological education exists between traditional modes of formation implicitly shaped by western colonialism and an uncertain future occasioned by seismic shifts around funding, admissions, ecologies of formation, and globalization. This ‘between the times’ moment both threatens the survival of theological education institutes and also unveils the historic and ongoing complicity of theological education in the wider racist colonial legacies of white privilege and hegemony. The same ‘in between’ moment also proffers to theological education the possibility to embrace diverse voices and transformative pedagogies within theological education as part of decolonization and decolonizing the curriculum. Embracing decolonizing theology will both save the soul of theological education and may help it survive through embracing collaborative, creative, and intersectional models of education that meet pragmatic needs as well as moral imperatives. This article explores three publications by Elizabeth Conde‐Frazier, Keri Day, and Chloe Sun that offer Latinx, womanist, and Asian theological perspectives on decolonizing theology in this ‘between the times’ moment of theological education. Setting out first the ecclesial and then the wider political contexts of these three works, the article examines how they imagine new decolonized possibilities for theological education. Following Graham Ward, the article develops how all three authors in their own ways argue that decolonizing theology and theological education entails ‘provincializing’ the (white) western context as normative, ‘translating’ or ‘transplanting’ theology back into culturally authentic discourses that contend meaning and deconstruct white power, and positively ‘affirming’ the varied cultural identities in which theological meaning is located.

Проблематика перевода и экзегеза воскресного догматика Великой вечерни 3-го гласа

The Orthodox service has not only diverse external forms but also has the deepest theological heritage, which is expressed through liturgical epistolary forms, for example, stichera, troparia, kontakion, etc. Unfortunately, current published literature, which in its content can be attributed to liturgy, has little to do with the exegesis of liturgical textMost of them represent manuals on liturgical regulations or practical guidelines for the performance of divine services and the requirements for clergy. There are also some translations into modern languageBut as for hymnography and heortology, then here we meet only with the history of church holidays and the significance of these events in the matter of our salvation. And, to our great regret, there is practically no literary sources that reveal to a person all the beauty, richness and depth of dogmatic truths and moral commandments which our worship is so rich in. This paper attempts to fill this gap and acquaint readers with the deep theological meaning and ideological content of the Sunday Dogmatist of the Great Vespers of the 3rd Tone.

The Theological Meaning of Tolkien’s “Death as a Gift”

The Theological Meaning of Tolkien’s “Death as a Gift”

‘순례’ 개념을 통해 본 선교학이 나아가야 할 방향 ― 앤드류 월스, 에드워드 사이드, 임마누엘 레비나스의 순례 이해를 중심으로

This article is a missiological study on the concept of pilgrimage used to explain Christian identity throughout Christian history. Pilgrimage is interpreted in various ways, including philosophical and theological meaning beyond a simple religious act. Interpretations of the meaningful ‘pilgrimage’ concept required for a paradigm shift in future missiology are presented. Andrew F. Walls, founder of World Christianity, presented pilgrimage as a fundamental principle of the Christian gospel, and post-colonial theorist Edward W. Said used this concept to explore the destiny of an intellectual. Further, Emmanuel Levinas used the pilgrimage as a symbol of post-ontological thinking: leaving the homeland of ontology and never returning. The interpretation of the pilgrimage within the works of these three thinkers means de-fixation, resistance, and post-ontological thinking for the future of missiology. This article reveals that these are the directions in which missiology should move forward.

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT AS A MEANS OF INFLUENCING THE ADDRESSEE PREACHING

Statement of the Problem. The paper focuses on evaluative aspects of bishop Vissarion (Nechaev’s) preachings. The author of the paper aims at revealing the methods and ways of influencing the recipient of the preachings by bishop Vassarion. The evaluative functions of Bishop Vissarion’s preaching have never been analyzed in detail in linguistic literature Results. Bishop Vissarion (Nechaev) uses a variety of evaluative language means (evaluative nouns, adverbs, verbs, collocations, adjectives) to influence the reader in terms of forming his or her moral and ethical worldview. The author of the preachings uses common evaluative means (good, badetc.) as well as specific evaluative language means (ethical (moral, kind), aesthectical (beautiful), psychological etc. All these evaluative meanings enable the preacher to reflect his opinion on various aspects of human life. Moreover, the preacher aims at attracting his listeners’ and readers’ attention towards various crucial phenomena of human mental and physical activities and constructing Christian attitude towards them. The preacher uses appraisal and negative evaluation to highlight his views. The extent to which he uses specific and common evaluative means depends on the topics of his preaching. It is worth mentioning that bishop Vissarion uses various epigraphs (fragments from New Testament, epistles of the apostles etc.) which contain evaluative meanings. The latter serve as a starting point for the preacher when he is developing his ruminations and judgements. Conclusion. Bishop Vissarion’s preachings are focusing on crucial aspects of life of a Orthodox Church Christians. It is the evaluative means that provide the preacher with all the instruments for developing and forming Christian worldview in his listeners and readers. He warns them against various harmful mental and physical activities with the help of negative evaluative language means as well as encourages them to opt for goodness with the help of appraisal. The preacher has developed a unique metalanguage that combines philological explanations of the most important words in his preachings with their theological meanings. This approach enables the preacher to express himself to the full extent and to reveal for the reader all the implicit meanings that the evaluative words in his preaching contain.

질병과 그리스도교 – 질병의 종교적 의미에 대한 연구 –

We are experiencing a worrying crisis of uncertainty due to the spread of the infectious Corona 19 virus across the peninsula and around the world. The crisis of stems from the mixed blessing of a hyper-connected society in which we work and advance together but where an infectious disease can also easily spread. We find ourselves urgently asking: How will this disease change civilization and society? How have humanity and religion interpreted this situation? I am called for an interdisciplinary approach to studying this issue and examine the history of the Christian point of view on health and disease in order to reconstruct a theological meaning for our times.BR The foundational research in this area would have four components. First, an historical examination of the place of disease in the Christian religion. Second, an illumination of how Christian thought about disease has changed over time. Third, the construction of a foundational sensus fidei or faith-informed meaning of the present disease. And finally, the engagement with future questions regarding the relationship between Christianity and disease.

The Kélah Ritual of The Manggaraians in Flores-Eastern Indonesia and Its Theological Significance For Roman Catholics

This paper aims to discuss the theological significance of the traditional religious practice of the Manggaraians in Flores, eastern Indonesia called the Kélah Ritual. It is an aspect of the traditional religion of the Manggaraians. The authorities of the Catholic Church in Manggarai have been very tolerant toward the ritual and provide enough space for the Catholics to practice it. The Church, however, does not have a sufficient understanding of its theological significance due to insufficient previous studies on the subject. This paper demonstrates that the ritual has a deep theological significance. This study employed direct observation, direct participation in the Kélah Ritual in several places in Manggarai, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and questionnaires. The results of this research indicate that this ritual is a rite of passage about the human soul departing from this world to heaven conducted a few days or months after the body’s interment. It was on the day of the soul’s ascension to heaven where all of the family ancestors meet with God eternally. This research concludes that, with its theological meaning, the ritual conforms with the Catholic faith doctrine regarding the gradual departure of the human soul to heaven after its corporal death – purgatory. No soul goes right away to heaven when it is not 100% holy. The ritual, therefore, could be valued and officially incorporated into the Catholic faith tradition in order to enrich its worship to God.

Akadémiai etika és integritás – gondolatok egy új egyetemi tantárgy margójára

Abstract. Academic Ethics and Integrity – Thoughts on a New University Course. The study discusses the origin and the necessity for the subject Academic Ethics and Integrity by presenting the highlights of professional discourses of the Hungarian and Romanian language area. The cited literature shows that in the last decades’ research ethics and integrity have been breached in many ways. The crisis management strategy involves the enactment of a law that introduces Academic Ethics and Integrity as a compulsory university subject. The present study delineates the topics related to the subject (e.g. questions regarding the integrity of researcher/teacher and publishing activity; legal documents, presentation of the organizations), but the most important scope was to adjust the topics of the subject to the particular situation of the faculties of theology. Thus, the new compulsory subject offers freedom to raise awareness about the meaning of theology and its role in society and academic setting. Lastly, it is argued that the subject gives excellent space for debating and construing questions of intellectuality in the 21st century. Keywords: academic ethics, integrity, intellectuality, research ethics in theology, ALLEA code

TEOLOGI POLITIK YESUS: SUMBANGSIH MATERI BAGI MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DI POLITEKNIK AMAMAPARE TIMIKA

The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a contribution to the Christian Education Course at the Politeknik Amamapare Timika. The method used in this research is library research and through hermeneutic-exegesis approach. This research involves the researcher fully to obtain a complete understanding of the intent conveyed by the writer of the scriptures regarding the context that gives meaning by using the processes of text analysis, narrative analysis, and theological meaning. The results show that Jesus' political theology departs from the theme of the Kingdom of God, which is presented on earth as a system of political thought and action that is balanced by every Christian. In its realization, truth and justice have always been the foothold and the Greatness of God is the main goal of various forms of power in the world which is driven by a high dedication to carrying out political duties in helping others who are experiencing difficulties because of feelings. sympathy and empathy on the basis of true love for social problems. Characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a framework of thought and framework The socio-political role of Christianity in Indonesia is oriented towards the general welfare, synergizing religion and state which rejects state religion and state religion, theocracy in democracy, guarantees human rights, rejects discrimination, and realizes laws that do not impartial and uncompromising.

Psalms 135 and 136: Exodus Motifs Contributing to Israelite Praise

The twin psalms 135 and 136 are both hymnic inspired texts with strong cultic features. In both psalms, exodus allusions and motifs play a role in the composers' intention to build their own theological thrust. Both psalms display a plethora of resemblances regarding atmosphere, structure, themes, motifs, content and liturgical importance. Nonetheless, each of them radiates its own identity and theological intent. By reading these two psalms both separately and together, the common denominator places the focus on praise for the Israelite God, Yahweh. By identifying the exodus motifs and determining their function in each psalm, this article aims to contribute to the theological meaning of both psalms.

Rereading of The Sabbath Law (Exodus 20: 8-11) as A Response to Modern Slavery Issue

This research was motivated by concerns about the problem of modern slavery. The author will interpret Exodus 20:8-11 on the Sabbath to respond to the issue of slavery. The method of interpretation that will be used is deconstruction and social criticism. The use of the social criticism method sees the text as a practice of discourse that is ideologically charged and has specific interests. The text is not neutral but rather is advocating. In the text itself, two social groups conflict with each other. The interpretation of the existing Sabbath is interpreted normatively, legalistically, ritualistically, sociologically, theologically and eschatologically. The results of reinterpreting the Sabbath using a deconstructive method show that the Sabbath has been abolished because every day is interpreted as a forced workday. Forced labour is driven by fear and worry. The Sabbath was forgotten for political and economic motives. The Sabbath was abolished because time was money, so people were traded and enslaved for the sake of making money. The reinterpretation of the Sabbath text with the method of social criticism finds the theological meaning of the Sabbath. The God of the Sabbath is described as the forerunner of the liberation of slavery throughout the ages. God’s Sabbath-keeping people today have a liberation mission to help people who are victims of modern slavery.

The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ, by Phillip Cary

The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ, by Phillip Cary

PhillipCary, The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2019)

PhillipCary, The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2019)

Theologization of Greek Terms and Concepts in the Septuagint and New Testament

Hellenistic literature, having great achievements in the fields of philosophy, drama, and poetry, did not know the theological concepts and issues which underlie the texts contained in the Hebrew Bible. So when the creators of the Septuagint, and then also the authors of the New Testament, used the Greek language to convey God’s inspired truths to the world, they were forced to give secular terms a new theological meaning, frequently choosing neutral words for this purpose, not burdened with ne­gative associations. With their translation work, they built a kind of bridge between Hellenic and Jewish cultures. On the one hand, the Septuagint allowed Jews reading the Bible in Greek to remain connected not only with the religious heritage of their fathers, but also with the cultural values that were closely related to that language and its world. In turn, for the Greeks, who after some time began to appreciate this work and gained knowledge of its content, it opened vast horizons of new religious and spiritual values, which until then were completely alien to them. The work of the authors of the Septuagint was continued and developed by the authors of the New Testament, which added to their theological output many new religious and moral values arising from the teaching of Jesus Christ. That way they contributed considerably to the development of the Koinē Greek and significantly transformed the spiritual life of the people speaking the language.

Being an Indonesian Christian: Exploration of a theology of nationalism in the history of the proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945

Despite the fact that the introduction of Christianity in Indonesia coincides with the arrival of Portugal and Dutch Colonialism in the 16th–19th centuries, Christianity in Indonesia could not be claimed as a colonised religion. This study emphasises the importance of Christianity as an integral part of the history of Indonesian nation-building. It also has significance and relevance for Christianity, and how people of different religions should live together in Indonesia. Using historical theology analysis, we argue that being Christian in Indonesia has theological meaning as God’s work in Jesus Christ. God that has called and sent Christians to Indonesia has bestowed independence on the country, as a nation that accepts and recognises all people in their plural existences. At the end of the research, the authors emphasise that by understanding the independence of Indonesia as God’s gift, Christians are to make Indonesia a theatre for glorifying God. They should do it by dedicating themselves to participate in togetherness with all citizens to build and develop this country in all dimensions of life. Therefore, various actions that discriminate against Christians deny the history of Indonesian independence, which accepts and recognises the equality of all citizens as a gift from God.Contribution: This article contributes to constructing a theology of nationalism as a kind of contextual theology, which is based on the particular context of the history of the proclamation of Indonesian independence. It also enriches the interreligious theology from the Christian perspective on Indonesian history.

Makna Teologis Dangding Kinanti Ngahurun Balung Karya Haji Hasan Mustapa: Analisis Hermeneutika Paul Ricoeur

The purpose of this study was to analyze the theological meaning of Dangding Kinanti Ngahurun Balung by using Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutical analysis. The method used is a type of qualitative research with literature study. The results and discussion of this research include the biography of Haji Hasan Mustapa, the text of Dangding Kinanti Ngahurun Balung and analysis of the theological meaning of Dangding Kinanti Ngahurun Balung. The conclusion of this study is that the theological meaning of Dangding Kinanti Ngahurun Balung is aware of the limitations in the quest to know God, so that humans are required to be humble before God and surrender to Him as a servant. This research is recommended for further studies on Haji Hasan Mustapa's dangding texts and the use of hermeneutics as an analytical tool, especially Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutics and studies on theology.

The orthodox liturgical year and its theological structure

The concept of ‘liturgical year’ indicates a reference to the meaning of the measuring units of civil time, and especially to the cosmic entities that determine the general rhythm of time – the sun and the moon. Interestingly, the liturgical time depends both on the structure of civil time, and, on the two discrete systems of the solar and lunar cycles, which have always been underpinnings of time measuring. The special importance and influence that the cosmical rhythms exert on the entire human life are also felt in the structure and theology of the liturgical time, where it signals the attempt to merge and reconcile the cosmical solar and lunar cycles within the liturgical year. This leads to a unique theology, expressing the powerful synthesis of the variability of the lunar cycle compared to the structure of the solar year’s fixed dates.Contribution: This research reveals the unique orthodox perspective on both civil and liturgical time, expressing their profound theological meaning, as a conscious, permanent reflection upon the mysterious, yet real, presence of Christ in the divine services of the Church.

Meaning and Method in Comparative Theology by CatherineCornille (Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2020), ix + 214 pp.

Meaning and Method in Comparative Theology by CatherineCornille (Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, 2020), ix + 214 pp.

Becoming a Human in the Divine Image and Christian Education

The topic of human uniqueness has been a crucial issue in various academic domains. In theology, what is meant by human uniqueness is closely related to the core idea of the Imago Dei. The history of interpretation as it relates to the image of God in theology can be summarized within three broad categories: substantive, functional, and relational. However, isolated theological notions of human uniqueness have often been distorted by human pride, arrogance, and hostility to other creatures on earth. In the current study, we will explore a more embodied and holistic meaning of the human uniqueness through a dynamic conversation between paleoanthropology, evolutionary epistemology, neuroscience, and theology. The emergence of the symbolic mind and the cognitive fludity has assisted humanity in having religious experiences, performing religious rituals, and carrying out religious norms and values, marking homo sapiens as "homo-religious." However, a holistic comprehension of human uniqueness as within the Imago Dei cannot be encapsulated purely within the biological or neuroscientific. A dialogue with theologian Abraham Heschel, and particularly his notion of transcendence and becoming human in the divine likeness, can help us craft a theological meaning of human uniqueness. Religiously constructed values, goals, and expectations are built into the structure of interpreting daily events and motivating self-transcendence. The essentially interactive embodied human mind, functioning as a "mindedness of behavior in context," promotes humans to seek out meaning in life and pursue the good. This article will argue that the human being is more than being: being human is becoming human in the image of God by self-transcendance overcoming current limitation through exercising divine living. Based on a more dynamic and holistic notion of human uniqueness, it is also claimed that Christian education should promote transformation of the whole being beyond narrow intellectualism by the act of pursuing and becoming the divine likeness.

State Sovereignty, God's Sovereignty, and Native Sovereignty : The Political Theology of Making New Borders

This critical review essay provides a substantive comparison for the struggles of indigenous peoples without their sovereignty by analyzing and critically comparing the political theology of George Tinker and Naim Ateek. By evaluating the theological reflection from Tinker and Ateek, in dealing with suffering from dislocation and occupation of the native peoples by Westerners and Zionists, this paper stresses the importance of the socio-political values of liberation theology for the expelled people from their own land, offering a new, politically sensitive approach to the notion of sovereignty. The ideas presented by Ateek and Tinker offer important resources for conceptualizing the sovereignty of indigenous communities. This comparative study considers two questions: First, what alternative notion of state sovereignty might engage, in context, religious values as an alternative to the modern system of nation-state (the Westphalian system) built on political realism and global power politics? Second, which political theology provides the notion of indigenous sovereignty critically evaluating today's nation-state system built on the notion of utipossedetis and ethnic inequalities. These questions are considered by a study of the theological meanings of modern state sovereignty systems, as compared to God's sovereignty for all people and an entire creation as the realm of God. The answers to both questions offer an alternative to current, modern nationalism.